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YWCA, Bristol police to offer RAD self-defense classes; registration opens Feb. 24
Summary
Caitlin Talley and Chris Eskeen of the YWCA told Inside Bristol that a four-session Rape Aggression Defense (RAD) course will be offered in partnership with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department, with registration opening Feb. 24; classes are for ages 13 and older (parental consent required) and meet 6–9 p.m.
Inside Bristol host Sherda Nichols spoke with Caitlin Talley and Chris Eskeen from the YWCA about upcoming RAD (Rape Aggression Defense) self-defense classes offered in partnership with the Bristol Tennessee Police Department.
Talley said RAD is a nationally known program intended to empower women and to help them feel safe. The YWCA will offer a four-class course that meets from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m.; registration on the YWCA website will go live Feb. 24, Talley said. She described the course as "very comprehensive" and said the program covers danger recognition, use of voice and body, and strategies to get away safely.
On age and enrollment, Talley said the youngest participants may be 13 with a parent attending to provide consent; adults may register on their own. The program typically capped attendance to "about 25" participants to allow for individual attention; past turnout was "15 to 20." Talley advised participants to wear athletic clothing and bring water and said instructor Sharon Wyatt will contact registrants after they sign up to provide paperwork and logistics.
Chris Eskeen emphasized that RAD is not solely about fighting back: "It's not about just fighting back. It's about understanding the dangers, being able to recognize them before they are right on top of you, how to be able to use your voice in your body to really effectively to its biggest impact." Talley added that registrants will receive information on forms and what to expect when they register online.
The classes are intended to empower community members with practical defensive skills and situational awareness; no fees, locations beyond the YWCA mentions, or formal public funding were discussed on the program.
